#soberliving

The gifts of imperfection by @brenebrown is a must read for anyone struggling to feel like they are good enough. Which is basically all of us. She gives practical tips on accepting your humanness and living a wholehearted life. This book is on my bedside table at all times and I read and reread it regularly.
It’s not about sobriety directly, but definitely addresses all of the reasons why I drank so much. It’s a game changer tbh. As are both of her ted talks, which are available at ted.com ✨🌈🍀

It truly is! One of my biggest hurdles when starting my recovery was removing toxic people from my life. It was frightening because I feared becoming alone in this world. But for once, I was truly able to focus on myself and my needs. In the process, I began reaching outside of my comfort zone and finding people who added value to my life instead. I realized what true friendship was because of that. I felt empowered each time I hung around those new people. It was a huge shift compared to feeling drained after hanging around the old ones. I also became friends with myself! I learned to enjoy my own presence which made it so I never felt lonely. Since removing the toxic people, my life has completely turned around! It has been worth facing my fears. Today, if I instinctually sense a toxic person, I can easily remove them from my life or at least from letting them negatively affect me. I can also embrace the people who give me good energy and help build me up as a person. We all deserve to feel empowered ❤️

#Repost@sillylara with @get_repost
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“The way we view alcohol is entirely flawed & largely supported by the culture in which we live.
I’ve never had anyone ask “wait: you don’t snort coke? That’s so weird.”
“Why don’t you snort coke?”
“Are you pregnant?”
“Are you on medication?”
“Are you an addict. Omg I’m so sorry.”
“You must be allergic?”
“What do you do for fun if you don’t snort coke?”
“Can’t you just have one line?”
“I don’t think you have a problem. You’re fine. I’ll buy you an ounce.” ——————————
Thank you @healthy_discoveries for the quote. I always go back to it.”

This photo was taken a month before I got sober. I had been desperately trying to quit alcohol for over a year, but whatever I tried, I just couldn’t do it. The girl in this photo was at the end of the road. Desperate, broken, suicidal. Drinking was hell, not drinking was hell. I hated myself and wanted the pain to end, I wanted it all to be over.
I don’t think anyone looking at this photo could ever have imagined what I was going through. Looking at it now, it’s hard to believe myself. I still had an awesome job, a loving husband, 2 gorgeous kids, beach life in oz, friends - I never lost any of that. Yet underneath all that makeup, beneath that pretty frock, I was a mess.
Not being able to stop drinking was mortifying and humiliating. I had no idea I had crossed the line into addiction, because addiction is clever and insidious. It creeps up on you while you think you’re having a blast. But it turned on me and at some point, the fun turned into chaos, agony, destruction, pain and it eventually brought me to my knees. I had no idea I had lost my choice when it came to drinking, I just thought I was weak willed. Pathetic. Better off dead. I had no idea I was ill.
You may think of an addict and imagine a washed up junkie living on the streets. An old man, drinking out of a brown paper bag. That’s what the movies would have us believe - it’s not something that happens to people like us. Well, it happened to me, and my guess is, it’s happening to people all around you, killing them slowly, before your eyes, without you even realising it.
The shame and stigma around addiction has to end. Too many people have died, or are dying through fear of speaking up, being judged, being outcast. Shame and secrecy is addiction’s best friend. We need to destroy it.
If you are struggling with any kind of addiction- there is help available. Drinking or death are not your only options, however much it feels like it.
My life has changed completely since getting sober. I’m no longer crippled by anxiety, paranoia, depression and shame. I no longer want to die. I feel happy, free, vibrant, worthy and so very grateful.
Life without booze is possible. Life without booze is amazing.

The fall season is officially in the air and we wish you a happy fall that is warm, cozy and addiction free this season 😍
If you're struggling please reach out and say something or visit the link in our bio for help...

My mother-in-law posted this gem today- and it’s SO TRUE! *
Our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors as well as the RELATIONSHIPS we choose (or deny) reflect how we feel about ourselves.
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Are you surrounded by people that nurture you? That match your value system? That treat you with kindness and respect? Do you seek out others that uplift you and challenge you in positive ways to stretch and promote growth?
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And how do you treat others? Do you nurture, respect, and promote bonds that are supportive to those you love? Do you judge, resent, disparage, gossip about, or betray others? Do you drop people or sabotage others (and ultimately yourself?)
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Hoping someone loved you enough to teach you how to love yourself and how to keep positive people in your corner #recovery

I am in Hamburg on business and in the past those trips where an excuse to be very merry. Nobody was watching, right. What happens on tour, stays on tour! Well, not this time. I declare a mini personal rebellion and won‘t drink. Not today. Not tonight! Going to bed now, ready for a good night sleep and a early breakfast meeting. I have got this! For today at least... #soberliving#tryingsobriety#sober#sobrietyrocks#soberlifestyle

Preetttyyyyysuuuuuure I would like this week to fast forward and be over already because I just really don't want to feel all the feelings that seem to sprout up this time of year and this WEEK in particular. November was the month when everything fully fell apart three years ago. On the other side of the coin it is the month I got sober...three years ago.
I'm totally not intending to be negative I just think it is important to acknowledge that with the victory of these milestones also come feelings of sadness and grief in remembering the wreckage I caused to my own life as well as the people I loved.
I subjected some amazing, loving, people to torment, pain, and confusion and it all came to a head in November 2015.
I've learned a lot about myself in three years but this last year I have most importantly learned to listen to those people that are still in my life. The same ones who could have easily given up on me three years ago are still around and paying me back in spades by NOT telling me what I want to hear but what I NEED to hear.
I'm so grateful that I am sober. I'm so happy I get to live this life with a clear mind. I am endlessly appreciative I can listen to people who call me on my bullshit without running away like a little b!tch.
But still...let's fast forward this week mmmkay? ❤coco